“Enchanted April” on stage at Old Lyric
The Old Lyric Repertory Company (OLRC) announces the opening of its third production of the season, “Enchanted April,” adapted by Matthew Barber from the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim. The production opens at the Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan (28 W. Center St.) July 8 at 8 p.m. and runs in repertory through Aug. 7.
“Enchanted April” tells the story of two middleclass English housewives, Lotty Wilton and Rose Arnott (played by Tracy Hill and Keri Hostetler), who, to escape their tepid marriages, plan a month-long getaway to an Italian villa on the Mediterranean. To keep them company they also invite the popular and beautiful Lady Caroline and the less- than-conventional Mrs. Graves. Their plans become seemingly compromised, however, when Mr. Wilton and Mr. Arnott arrive and spoil what was to be a month-long girl’s night out. To the surprise of all, the arrival of the husbands triggers a string of events that turn what had started as a season of discontent into a season of renewal.
Directing the romantic comedy is OLRC veteran Lynda Linford.
“I’m proud to be part of a Cache Valley, university, professional theatrical tradition,” Linford said. “Repertory is a dying art form. It requires flexibility and talented versatility from actors and courage from management, along with durability from stage technicians. This is undoubtedly the most talented company we’ve ever assembled. Actors, designers and technicians are all included. Don’t miss this season.”
According to the director, “Enchanted April” is a classic favorite, no matter what format it takes, movie, novel or play.
“The original book is still one of the most charming novels ever written,” Linford said. “The movie is a film favorite. The OLRC production is fortunate to benefit from both. To create a third version, live and more textured, will provide play-goers with another generous portion of ‘enchantment’ and insight into the exceptional occurrence that is the human condition.”
The cast of “Enchanted April” stars many OLRC favorites, as well as a few fresh new faces. Playing the role of Lotty Wilson is Tracy Hill, who has also been enjoyed in “Moon Over Buffalo” and “Song of Singapore” this season; her husband, Mellersh Wilson, is played by Lee Daily. Filling the role of Rose Arnott is local actress Keri Hostetler, and playing her husband, Frederick Arnott, is OLRC favorite Lego Louis. Filling out the cast are Kindra Steenerson, who plays an eccentric young noblewoman, Caroline Bramble, who knows one of the husbands a little too well; Jackie Fullmer plays the rather serious and widowed Mrs. Graves; Maribeth Evensen-Hengge plays the part of the Italian host of the four women. Phillip R. Lowe is Antony Wilding, and Matthew Perrone plays the gardener.
“Enchanted April” is the OLRC’s third production of the summer. Watch for the three other productions throughout the season, “Moon Over Buffalo,” “Song of Singapore” and “The Hollow.”
The complete OLRC schedule follows. Curtain time for evening performances is 8 p.m., and 2 p.m. for matinee performances.
“Moon over Buffalo:” June 17, 18, 19; July 1, 3 (matinee and evening), 21, 28; Aug. 6.
“Song of Singapore:” June 24, 25, 26 (matinee and evening); July 2, 22, 30; Aug. 4, 7 (matinee and evening).
“Enchanted April:” July 8, 9, 10 (matinee and evening), 23, 31 (matinee and evening).
“The Hollow:” July 15, 16, 17 (matinee and evening), 24, 27, 29; Aug. 5.
Tickets for the 2004 OLRC season are currently available, including the OLRC’s Flex-Pass option, four coupons to any evening performance of choice (subject to ticket availability). With this option patrons can see what they want, when they want, or see all five shows at great savings, OLRC officials said.
There is also a matinee Flex-Pass option for even more savings. Special pricing also includes two-for-one pricing on Tuesday and Wednesday performances and the student rush nightly with tickets one-half off 15-minutes prior to curtain for those with student ID. Pricing and ticket information is available by calling (435) 797-0305, or visit the company’s Web site at www.usu.edu/lyric. Patrons can also purchase tickets at the Smith Spectrum ticket office on the Utah State campus.
For a 2004 OLRC brochure, call (435) 797-3046, or for general inquiries call (435) 797-1500. The season also offers special promotions, contests and exclusive deals found on the Web at www.usu.edu/lyric.
The Old Lyric Repertory Company (OLRC) is a program in the department of theatre at Utah State University. The company is a training ground for advanced theatre arts students as well as professionals. The OLRC generally produces four productions each summer in repertory, the last true rolling rep theatre company in northern Utah, according to executive director and producer Colin Johnson.
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